Mt. Ugo |
Mt. Ugo is one of the well-known mountains in Cordillera. It has a very scenic trail with numerous pine trees which give so much feeling of tranquility. I couldn't help myself to stop and stare in the amazing views around and feel the touching air. Aside from the trail, Mt. Ugo's campsite has a stunning views, and it was the best campsite I've stayed in so far. There are a lot of highlights in Mt. Ugo, from the trail to summit. We will take a look for all of it as we go further.
BEFORE THE CLIMB
We planned this event a month before the actual climb. I've co-hosted my hiking buddy Edmund to set things up. Since there's a lot of things needed to do before the climb, I've created a separate post to list down all the to-dos. So here you go, 7 Things To Do Before Climbing Mt. Ugo.
DAY 0
DAY 1
So we had a quick breakfast in the bus stop of Aritao then proceeded to Kayapa. It took another travel time going to Kayapa. Kuya Alex with the guides he assigned for us plus the 3 porters were already waiting for us when we arrived.
And then we started to trek. Initial part of the trail is on the highway and as you know, trekking on a concrete uphill is kinda hard.
We reached Indupit Village just in time for lunch. There's a mini store at Indupit where you could buy drinks or other stuff. We continued to trek after an hour of rest. It started to rain that time and it reminds me of our 2nd Mt. Pulag climb last Valentines Day.
I was worried then because I don't wanna experience that awful situation again. The rain continues to pour down and there was no clearing. But to my surprise, the fog against the pine trees looks very fascinating. It looks like in the movie Silent Hill and it was like I'm not in the Philippines. I used to hate the fog but now I think I should look for it sometimes.
Along the way, we were attacked by the cows. One of them munched my pants.
After 6 hours of trekking I thought we were almost there, but I was surprised when we saw Mt. Ugo was still too far away.
We continued to trek then the rain became worst. Good thing, we were on the final assault going to the campsite. Still, the fog was there but the view was superb.
The campsite of Mt. Ugo is very astonishing. It's a wide area and I think it can occupy by 10 to 15 tents. You can also stay inside the elementary school in Domolpos Village that is located near the campsite. It was still raining when we reached the campsite but around 10 o'clock in the evening, the rain stops then we got the chance to do stargazing. Beware of the cows at the campsite. They're mobbing the tents and trying to get the things in the vestibule.
Kayapa Public Market |
And then we started to trek. Initial part of the trail is on the highway and as you know, trekking on a concrete uphill is kinda hard.
Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya |
Pine trees along the trail |
We reached Indupit Village just in time for lunch. There's a mini store at Indupit where you could buy drinks or other stuff. We continued to trek after an hour of rest. It started to rain that time and it reminds me of our 2nd Mt. Pulag climb last Valentines Day.
Indupit Village |
I was worried then because I don't wanna experience that awful situation again. The rain continues to pour down and there was no clearing. But to my surprise, the fog against the pine trees looks very fascinating. It looks like in the movie Silent Hill and it was like I'm not in the Philippines. I used to hate the fog but now I think I should look for it sometimes.
Trekking with the Fog |
Along the way, we were attacked by the cows. One of them munched my pants.
Cows on attack |
After 6 hours of trekking I thought we were almost there, but I was surprised when we saw Mt. Ugo was still too far away.
Approaching Mt. Ugo |
We continued to trek then the rain became worst. Good thing, we were on the final assault going to the campsite. Still, the fog was there but the view was superb.
Final Assault |
DAY 2
I had a great sleep last night because I was a bit drunk. When I woke up, I hurriedly came out of the tent and I was surprised by the good weather. It was a great morning indeed. The view from the campsite is really awesome. I prayed for this and this was one of the best birthday gifts I've ever received.
Great Morning at Mt. Ugo |
Dennis, Aldrin and Edmund |
Pluto Diaz |
Enjoying coffee in Mt. Ugo |
Abbie, Pluto and Anna |
Mt. Ugo Summit |
According to our team leader Edmund, so much great views awaits in Benguet side.
Descent to Itogon, Benguet |
Anna Marcos with the Pine trees |
Trekking with the Pine trees at Benguet Side |
Don't ever miss to take photos in this pine tree while descending to Itogon. They dubbed it as the World Tree.
Abbie Giron at the World Tree |
Take 5 at Agno River |
Crossing Agno River via a Hanging bridge |
Mt. Ugo Traverse (+2150)
August 28 - 30, 2015
Jump-off point: Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya
Exit point: Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet
Difficulty: 5/9
ITINERARY:
Aug. 28 Friday night
08:30 pm Assembly Victory Liner Kamias
10:00 pm ETD to Aritao CCQ Market, Nueva Vizcaya
Aug. 29 Saturday
04:00 am ETA CCQ Market, Early Breakfast
05:00 am ETD to Kayapa via Chartered Jeep
06:00 am ETA Kayapa Public Market [JumpOff Point, Registration, Preparation]
06:30 am Start Trek 11:00 am Indupit Village [1 hr rest, snack - lunch]
12:00 pm Continue Trek to Ansipsip
01:00 pm ETA Ansipsip Shed - Continue Trek
05:00 pm ETA Camp Site [Near the Summit]
07:00 pm Social - Dinner
10:00 pm Lights Off Sleeping Time
Aug. 30 Sunday
05:00 am: Wake Up Time / Sunrise viewing at the Summit/ Breakfast Preparation
06:00 am: Breakfast
06:30 am: Break Camp
07:00 am: Climb to Summit
07:45 am: Start Descent
01:00 pm: Lunch Losod Village, quick rest
02:00 pm: ETA Kawayan Village
05:00 pm : ETA Petican-Animal Bridge
06:00 pm ETA Brgy Tinongdan Hall, Itogon, Benguet, Tidy Up
07:00 pm ETD to Baguio
08:00 pm ETA Baguio (Dinner)
ACTUAL EXPENSES
Jeep: P5000 (Aritao - Kayapa and Tinongdan - Baguio) / group
Guide: P500 per day = P1000 / group
Porter (for our foods, etc): P1000 / group.
Registration Fee: P200/head
Transpo: Manila to Aritao: P289/head
Baguio to Manila: P450/head
Food Allowance: ~P200/head
Estimated budget: P2500 to P3000
Photos By:
Abbie Giron
Aldrin Valentona
You might also like to visit:
Hiking Adventures #1: Mt. Pulag, the Playground of the Gods
Hiking Adventures #8: Mt. Pulag Climb 2015 - Sea of Fog and Bed of Mud
No comments:
Post a Comment